Excerpts from my personal creed . . .

Monday, February 25, 2008

This weekend was J's baptism. After months and months of delays, we finally had a pouring of the water . . .

We seriously intended to have him baptized around his third month, but after finding out that we were living in sin (don't get all excited--we were MARRIED, it just wasn't recognized by those pesky Catholics . . . Catholics--don't be upset with me, I married one and am raising another, after all! ), we had to wait to have our marriage convalidated. At least we got to get married again. Of course holidays, my brother and sister-in-law's baby shower, their baby's birth all added up to a string of delays. Wouldn't be so bad it it weren't for the fact that we live several hours from our family. But, in the end, it all turned out perfectly.

The priest was wonderful--we adore him. He is one of those rare people who make an effort to make you feel comfortable. He has the most welcoming way about him that it almost makes me want to become one of those pesky Catholics. My sister-in-law, her husband, their little boy, and my mom-in-law all came in from out of town and stayed with us. Three of my teacher friends attended the ceremony as well and then joined us for dinner and cake after. It was such a lovely time.

I loved having our house filled with life. N, my little nephew has the cutest way of saying Baby J's name. I adore it! He is nearly three and is so full of life and energy! There was conversation, game-playing, eating, laughing . . . They just left a little while ago, J is napping, I'm waiting for a load of laundry to finish. The house is quiet. There is nothing but the humming of the washer to keep me company. *sniff*

Although the event was memorable, I was saddened that my own family could not attend. My parents have a car that would probably never make it here safely, my brother just had a baby and needed to be home with his wife, my baby sister C has classes during the weekend (and I know would have been here if I "demanded" it), and my sister B couldn't be here because she has already traveled extensively and desperately needs to save her money so she can come to Florida with us (hint . . . hint . . .). Although I would have loved for my family to be here, it is her presence that I missed the most. She has an energy that is infectious. The amount of love and care she possesses for little J is extraordinary--and for that I am thankful. I'm hoping she won't mind, but I had to share this message she left for him . . .

Dear J, I just wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you today (and every day really). I should've thought to send something sooner but there's no use hiding the fact that your aunt is a procrastinator and a non-plan aheader! Today's a big day for you and I wish I could be there. But I am praying for you and I promise I always will. When you're older we'll definitely have lots of chats about God, life and even the weather. With the help of your parents, family and the Holy Spirit you'll learn all about God's love and what He's done for you and one day you'll understand on your own and be able to share with others as well. God's got a BIG plan for you that began even before you were born. I can't wait to see where it all takes you. Before I leave you to do your baby things I just want to share my favorite bible verse: Jeremiah 29:11-13 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." I love you dear nephew! Love always,Aunt B

*******************************************************I look at J and I can't imagine him crawling . . . but he will. I can't imagine him walking . . . but he will. I can't imagine him saying "I love you" . . . but he will (I hope!). He will grow up. I can't hold him tight enough to stop it (my brother-in-law says I can . . . but I think we both know it is fruitless). He will go to school. He will start a family. He will move on with his own life . . . one day . . . God willing. In a moment, I get so excited about all that life has in store for this little guy AND saddened to learn that it will all go by so very fast.

Geez, this whole mom thing is killing me . . . You know, they tell you about the poopy diapers, the all-nighters, the spit-up, the need to baby-proof, the best toys, the worst foods . . . the stuff. But I guess no one can tell you about the moments . . . those, you have to experience yourself.

32 comments:

What a fabulous post, you hit the nail on the head. No one can prepare you for the enormity of that little life that you brought into the world and no one can tell you that loving him will be the single most important thing you will do in your life.

Happy Baptism to your little J!

*tee hee, those pesky Catholics* I grew up one and I find that enormously funny!

What a loving letter your sister sent him... something to cherish forever. And yes, no one tells you about those moments when you just want time to stand still and the world to stop spinning, not because everything is going wrong, but because everything is going right.

Cherish the little moments and they will make the big ones even more special!

Awww. This was just so precious. So sweet. It is true. Everyone always tells you how hard it is, but no one tells you about these precious little moments.My hubby and I got married by one of those fabulous priests you mentioned. He really became part of our family. We just loved him. And now he has moved away. :( Very sad.I always got really nervous if my babies weren't baptized by 6 weeks. I would have had them baptized at birth if possible, but I also like all the hoopla and party that goes with the baptism later on. With Joey, because he was my first, I always felt like I was just "playing" mommy. I didn't really FEEL like a mom. Until the morning of his baptism and I was getting him into his little outfit. It all hit me then. It was an amazing moment. Such a precious letter your sister wrote. Gorgeous.Congrats to little J! God bless you, kiddo!Signed,One of those pesky Catholics;)

Oh, you made me cry! There is great responsibility and joy in raising a child to go out into the world. Funny, if we do our job well- it is to get them ready to be part of the world and not need us. Those moments you mentioned - bittersweet. I'm off to hug my children now to see if I can really keep them little for a while longer!

My mommy heart is split wide open reading this post. How fortunate little J is to have wonderful people to love and pray for him. Sounds like a very special weekend.Oh, that is one of my very favorite verses.Blessings for you and little J

What a sweet letter from your sister! I couldn't have put it any better. We have baptism planning going on over here as well and it is such a special time. We get a lot of questions from the older kids as well, so it is a great time to push a little lesson upon them. It's amazing how fast they grow and learn! I saw a 14 day old baby at church and she made my baby look huge...I'm not ready for my teeny tiny baby to grow up yet!

I completely understand, my oldest is 9! She amazes me everyday & no matter what I do she keeps growing up. Those pesky years just keep coming & going. Hold on tight, but just try to enjoy all the ages Baby J goes thru! It is so fun!!

That really was so very sweet. I think some of the same things. It's hard to imagine my Toddler as a mouthy teenager, but she probably will be. But at the same time, she has and always will bring me an enormous amount of happiness every single day.

Well-said Laskigal. I truly can not believe how quickly it is going. I'll see a baby and think, "Oh, I have one of those (or two of those actually with twins)," but I really don't have babies anymore. I almost forget.

The other day I told my daughter, "You're two, honey. You're not quite old enough to do ... (whatever it was). She reminded me, "Mommy, I'm three and a half."

The moments ... I know what you mean. Already I have been pondering the bittersweet sadness that will come to pass when my daughter is born and her kicks and squirms are no longer mine alone, but have to be shared with the world. This led to the realization that the next 5 (10, 15, 20 ...) years of my life are going to be a constant process of letting her go and learning to share her with the world.

My baby girl isn't even here yet, and I'm already thinking about how fast that first year will fly by and what I can do to slow it down. Nothing, I know, but I'm hoping this will help me to spend more time enjoying the moments(even when the routine seems monotonous as I know it will at times) and less time worrying about the little things (is she eating enough, sleeping enough, meeting all the milestones, etc. etc.).

Your sister's letter to Little J. was just beautiful. He's lucky to have such a special aunt.

Now let's talk about weddings.Tonight I have a formerly Catholic nephew marrying a Morman girl, and they're having a reception (on a Friday during Lent) with meat, and no coffee, tea or booze. My Catholic family is insulted. They weren't even allowed to attend the wedding ceremony, but were expected to provide gifts. What do you think? See what I think at peoplepowergranny.blogspot.com, and vote in my poll on when it's proper to play by the rules.